Caught The Fire Bug

Caught The Fire Bug As a former wildland firefighter, I’m here to tell the stories that too often go unheard—and to educate the community about the realities and dangers of wild 🔥

12/13/2025

Honoring our fallen wildland firefighters today.

Jeremy Miesner · 2018
Jimmy Tuberville · 2010

Their dedication to the wildland fire family will always be held in honor.

Flooding in North Idaho washed over roads, closed trails, prompted evacuations and nearly trapped a Kingston family insi...
12/13/2025

Flooding in North Idaho washed over roads, closed trails, prompted evacuations and nearly trapped a Kingston family inside their residence before they were rescued by firefighters.

The high waters covered areas of Kootenai, Shoshone and Bonner counties on Thursday, just after the National Weather Service issued a warning that the Coeur d’Alene River at Cataldo may rise due to snowmelt. Shoshone County declared a state of emergency Thursday and deployed additional patrol units and EMS to help.

Affected areas include Coeur d’Alene River Road, Beaver Creek, Prichard Creek and the St. Joe River Road, the county wrote on its page.

People in and near Clark Fork, Idaho, were also encouraged to evacuate to Sandpoint Friday. Others were told to stay out of the area, according to a social media post from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. Waters on Thursday scaled the garages of some homes in Shoshone County, leaving one family stranded.

pictures were taken Thursday and Friday  at Clark Fork

According to Silver Valley Fire Rescue, first responders saved two adults and a child with a swift -water rescue boat around 11 a.m. Thursday. The family was trapped 8 miles up Coeur d’Alene River Road in Kingston. No one was injured, the first responders wrote on Facebook. 📸 KREM 2

On December 12, 2002 — Line of Duty DeathFirefighter Jonathan Myron Lanphear, age 23, of the Boyd Fire Department (Minne...
12/13/2025

On December 12, 2002 — Line of Duty Death

Firefighter Jonathan Myron Lanphear, age 23, of the Boyd Fire Department (Minnesota), made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to an emergency.

Firefighter Lanphear was getting a haircut when his pager activated for a reported trash fire. He responded in his personal vehicle, a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am. While approaching an intersection controlled by a stop sign, he was traveling at a speed too great to safely stop. Despite attempting to brake, the vehicle began to skid, crossed through the intersection, turned sideways, and went down a steep embankment.

During the crash, the passenger-side wheels were torn off, and the vehicle rolled twice before coming to rest upside down. Firefighter Lanphear, who was not wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected through the sunroof and became pinned beneath the vehicle. Responding rescue personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Extrication was completed later.

The cause of death was determined to be head trauma . #

LIBBY, Mont. — Gov. Greg Gianforte has issued an executive order declaring a flooding disaster in northwestern Montana. ...
12/13/2025

LIBBY, Mont. — Gov. Greg Gianforte has issued an executive order declaring a flooding disaster in northwestern Montana.
Since Dec. 8, the Fisher and Yaak Rivers have experienced significant rises due to historic rainfall and snowmelt.

The Fisher River has risen nearly four feet and is expected to reach minor flood stage Thursday afternoon, while the Yaak River has risen roughly five feet, surpassing the eight-foot flood stage. Lincoln, Sanders, and Flathead counties have enacted emergency or disaster declarations and activated emergency management plans.

The Montana Disaster & Emergency Services State Emergency Coordination Center is also activated, coordinating with state, local, and federal agencies to support affected communities.

Providing an update on prescribed burning activities on the Feather River Ranger District yesterday- Sawmill, Concow are...
12/13/2025

Providing an update on prescribed burning activities on the Feather River Ranger District yesterday- Sawmill, Concow area and Challenge area.

Ignitions are continuing in the Concow area yesterday on Rim Road, with plans to treat up to 100 acres of combined pile burning and underburning. Fuels consumption and smoke dispersal yesterday at both Sawmill Peak and the Concow area was excellent.

There were no smoke impacts overnight and this morning in Concow.

In the Challenge area yesterday , firefighters are working on patrol and monitoring and doing their best to minimize additional smoke production and impacts.

Firefighters expect local smoke impacts to continue through the weekend, but lessening each day as fuels are consumed. A predicted storm early next week with significant precipitation is expected to help with any lingering smoke.

There are numerous organizations and members of the public who are also conducting their own burning operations throughout the area due to optimal fuel and weather conditions. This is creating other areas with visible smoke and possible smoke impacts that are not associated with Plumas National Forest prescribed burning operations.

Area residents and visitors should be aware of their surroundings, prepared for reduced visibility and potential short term smoke impacts.

Sharing a couple photos from operations today in the Concow area along Rim Road.📸 USFS

Cave Mountain Fire 480 acres 25% contained9 Miles SW from Brent, ALBibb County, AL.
12/12/2025

Cave Mountain Fire 480 acres 25% contained
9 Miles SW from Brent, AL
Bibb County, AL.

Yakima River Flood update –WA We have hit the moderate flood stage with 14.53 ft as of 8:30 this morning, and still for...
12/12/2025

Yakima River Flood update –WA

We have hit the moderate flood stage with 14.53 ft as of 8:30 this morning, and still forecasted to hit peak flood of 15.84 ft by Saturday early morning.

Road closures as reported
Ranch Rd.
46th - photo of 46th attached
Kingston Rd.
Jones Rd.
Van Giesen is still currently dry – WSDOT is observing for potential closure when necessary

Beach RV area has quite a bit of water. 📸 Benton County WA sheriff’s office.

National Fire News: December 12, 2025. Fire activity across the country remains relatively light today, a welcome pause ...
12/12/2025

National Fire News: December 12, 2025. Fire activity across the country remains relatively light today, a welcome pause for a system that stays ready year-round. Nationally, one uncontained large fire is currently on the report, the Ponderosa Fire in Oklahoma, burning approximately 277 acres in hardwood litter southeast of Stilwell. Firefighters continue full suppression efforts, with containment reported at 59 percent and an estimated completion date of December 13.

Over the past week, firefighters responded to 95 fires nationwide, the vast majority of which were quickly contained during initial attack. That early success reflects strong coordination across local, state, Tribal, and federal partners and a shared commitment to keeping fires small when conditions allow. National Preparedness Level remains at PL 1, signaling lower overall demand for firefighting resources, even as readiness remains high.

While many parts of the country are settling into winter, wildland fire does not take a holiday. Weather patterns and dry conditions in some regions continue to require attention, and firefighters and support personnel remain prepared to respond wherever they are needed.

🔥More NFN: https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

📸Prescribed burn in Idaho, photo by Rebecca Paterson

🌧️ WHY FLOODING MAKES FUTURE WILDFIRES WORSE 🔥(It’s not as backwards as it sounds) 📸 12/09/25 Snohomish County WA. Thank...
12/12/2025

🌧️ WHY FLOODING MAKES FUTURE WILDFIRES WORSE 🔥
(It’s not as backwards as it sounds) 📸 12/09/25 Snohomish County WA. Thanks to my subscriber for sending it in..

A lot of people think flooding is “good” for fire season or up coming fire season.
In reality, flooding often sets the stage for bigger, faster, more destructive wildfires.

Here’s why 👇

🌲 Flooding strips vegetation
Fast-moving water rips out grasses, shrubs, and roots that normally hold soil and retain moisture. Once they’re gone, the ground dries faster and becomes highly flammable.

🪨 Topsoil loss = bad regrowth
Floods wash away nutrient-rich topsoil. Native plants struggle to come back, and invasive grasses move in. These grasses grow fast, dry early, and burn hot.

🔥 Invasive grasses = fast-moving fire
Floodwaters spread invasive seeds across entire watersheds. By mid-summer, those fine fuels create continuous fire spread and earlier fire seasons.

🌳 Flood-stressed trees die later
Trees weakened by flooding don’t always die right away. Months or years later they become snags, ladder fuels, and heavy dead fuel—perfect conditions for crown fire.

💨 Flooded ground dries faster long-term
Compacted and damaged soils don’t absorb water well. Moisture runs off instead of soaking in, leaving landscapes drier between storms.

🔁 The Fire–Flood Cycle
Wildfire removes vegetation → flooding causes erosion → poor regrowth + invasive fuels → bigger, more dangerous fires.

On 10/22/25 A USFS truck was leading a two-vehicle convoy traveling west on Highway 101 at or near the posted 55 mph spe...
12/11/2025

On 10/22/25 A USFS truck was leading a two-vehicle convoy traveling west on Highway 101 at or near the posted 55 mph speed limit with cruise control set.

Washington state. 

At 10:48 a.m., the driver of the lead USFS vehicle observed a log truck turning into the eastbound lane from the south side of the highway. The log truck did not complete its turn as expected. The USFS driver braked and steered right (north) to create as much distance as possible.

Moments later, the log truck’s loaded trailer detached from its tow vehicle and rolled perpendicular across both lanes—directly into the path of the USFS vehicle—leaving no opportunity for avoidance. The trailer and the USFS vehicle collided in the ditch on the north side of the highway.

Airbags deployed on impact, and several logs penetrated through the windshield. The driver’s side door was severely crumpled. Both the driver and passenger struck the deployed airbags.

The NPS trailing vehicle immediately pulled over, activated emergency lights, and assisted on scene. The log truck driver also stopped and checked on the USFS personnel. A passenger in the second vehicle called 911 while the driver helped open the damaged door of the USFS truck. Both lanes of Highway 101 were blocked following the collision.

Both USFS employees sustained minor injuries, which they self-treated using emergency gear from the second vehicle. They were then transported to the hospital in that vehicle and did not require ambulance transport.

Lessons from the Report
1. Speed Control:
The USFS vehicle was not traveling at excessive speed, allowing the driver to decelerate enough to reduce impact severity and increase survivability.
2. Safety Equipment:
Modern vehicle safety systems and airbags were critical. The airbag likely prevented the driver’s head from striking a log that entered through the windshield.
3. Seat Belts:
Proper seat belt use played an essential role in minimizing injuries for both the driver and passenger.
4. Convoy Operations:
Traveling in a convoy enabled immediate on-scene support from the trailing NPS vehicle, improving response time and overall safety.
Article written by Wildland Fire Lessons
Learned Center.

12/11/2025

Honoring our fallen wildland firefighters today.

Vernon 'Lyddan' Ballard · 2004

We honor the life they lived, not only the role they filled.

🔥 Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Today 🔥A planned prescribed burn will take place today at Palo Duro Lake in the designat...
12/11/2025

🔥 Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Today 🔥

A planned prescribed burn will take place today at Palo Duro Lake in the designated management area. Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Forestry Service, and Spearman VFD will be helping complete this prescribed burn. Please avoid the area and give fire crews plenty of space so they can work safely and efficiently. You may see smoke throughout the day—this is expected and monitored closely by trained professionals.

Why Prescribed Burns Matter:
• Helps reduce excess dry vegetation that can fuel dangerous wildfires
• Encourages healthy new plant growth and improves soil nutrients
• Creates better habitat for native wildlife
• Supports long-term grassland health. This is not the actual photo of the burn. 📸 Palo Duro Lake

Address

Post Falls, ID

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Caught The Fire Bug posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Caught The Fire Bug:

Shortcuts

Share

Category